- By Shubham Bajpai
- Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- PM Modi announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases.
- Courts to ensure swift punishment for exam fraud culprits.
- Aims to overcome slow judicial process, deter education mafia.
The paper leaks in the NEET exam have sparked widespread anger among youth across the country. The protests, which began at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, have sparked nationwide political tensions. Amidst the growing criticism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a major announcement on Thursday, saying that special "fast-track courts" would be set up to ensure swift and severe punishment for those responsible for the paper leak.
Within hours, one was set up at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court. The Delhi High Court transferred Anu Grover Baliga, in charge of the Mediation Centre at Tiz Hazari Court, to the Rouse Avenue Court. The fast-track court will try offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of unfair means ) Act, 2024 and other related offences.
Amid ongoing protests from Bihar to Maharashtra, PM Modi's announcement has raised a host of questions on what benefit a fast-track court do and how they will work.
What is a fast-track court?
Simply put, "fast track courts," as the name suggests, are special courts established to expedite the resolution of specific categories of cases. India's traditional judicial system faces a backlog of millions of cases, resulting in years of delays in the trial process.
The purpose of this court is to ensure that serious or sensitive cases, such as rape, POCSO, corruption, or now paper leaks, are heard in a timely manner, without delay. These courts are established by state governments in consultation with the respective high courts.
How do fast-track courts work?
The functioning of a fast-track court is quite different and faster than that of a regular court. Its working process is based on several factors.
The key point is that these courts don't have a backlog of cases. They only handle the cases specifically assigned to them. For example, if a special fast-track court is established for paper leaks, it will only hear cases related to paper leaks.
These courts differ from regular courts in terms of the frequency of listing cases. Unlike regular courts, hearings are often held on a daily basis.
Furthermore, the investigating agency in these cases, the police or CBI, is given a fixed timeframe for filing the charge sheet, recording witness statements, and delivering the final verdict. Importantly, unnecessary adjournments are not permitted.
Why was there a need for a fast-track court in the paper leak case?
Paper leaks in competitive exams, including NEET, put the future of millions of students at risk. Currently, the government has strict laws in place, such as the Public Examinations Act, 2024.
However, the main challenge was the slow judicial process. Investigations and trials often dragged on for years, allowing the masterminds and education mafia to escape the law or easily obtain bail. Additionally, the ongoing row over the leak and the protests it sparked have put pressure on the government to conduct a fast and efficient probe and bring the perpetrators to justice.
What will change after the PM's announcement?
Now that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of fast-track courts, its clear purpose is to contain the ongoing crisis and deliver justice on time. Apart from that, the government also aims to send the message that the education mafia will be punished.
The Union Law Ministry and Home Ministry will now work with state governments and the relevant High Courts to develop a framework for the establishment of these special courts.
Retired or dedicated judicial officers/judges will be deployed in these courts to expedite hearings. The government will appoint special public prosecutors to prosecute paper leak cases to ensure a robust trial.